Callaghan back on world stage

KILLIAN Callaghan will be hoping he can make a blistering start to the 2017 World Enduro Series when he contests the opening round in New Zealand this weekend.

The Walkinstown mountain bike racer, who finished fourth in the Under 21 division of the global series last year, is hoping to improve on that despite huge difficulties he encountered in securing sponsorship for 2017.

“Killian has been back training since December despite having no actual sponsors commitment right up until mid January” said Callaghan’s father Ian.

“We had a turn of fortunes when we managed to build a team of our own with individual sponsors from around the bike industry.

“Some of the most prestigious brands of bike parts (Hope components/ WTB tyres), Santa Cruz mountain bikes, Fox Suspension along with Urge Helmets and Kenny clothing are all on board.

“So for 2017 Killian will be racing under the banner of Hope /Santa Cruz UK / Killian Callaghan Racing.

Callaghan recently enjoyed a win in his first race out on his new bike when he contested the opening round of the Grassroots series in Bike Park Ireland.

Following the opening round of the World Series in New Zealand this weekend, the competition will take him to Tasmania on April 9 followed by Madeira on May 13/14 after which he competes on home soil when the fourth round of the series heads to Wicklow on May 28.

Having carded an Under 21 victory in Wicklow followed by a third place finish in the United States last year, the Dubliner will be hoping to mount another strong challenge this time around.

What’s more he also emerged a runner-up from the Gravity Enduro Series and took fourth place in the Pro Men’s division of the National Championships.

During the series Callaghan, will be joined by his younger brother 16-year-old Emmet who has secured entries in the Irish, French and Italian races of the championship while his youngest brother 14-year-old Ross will compete in the new Challenger class in the Irish Emerald Enduro.